Trek the Larapinta Trail

Trek the Larapinta Trail

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7 Days From

$2485

Trek the Larapinta Trail

7 Days Starting and ending in Alice Springs

Visiting: Alice Springs, Larapinta Trail , Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder , Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs

Tour operator:

Intrepid Travel

Tour code:

PJXL

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

High

Age range:

16-99 years

From: $2485

NB: Prices correct on 08-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

The Larapinta Trail, arguably one of the best desert trails in the world, explores Tjoritja or the West MacDonnell Ranges in Central Australia. Hike across snaking riverbanks, open desert plains and towering mountains on this seven-day trek. Cool off in bright green swimming holes, discover the Indigenous history of the area and hike across peaks scattered with diverse flora and fauna. Take in sights like Ormiston Gorge and ascend to the top of Mt Sonder.?Take a moment to appreciate the vast red desert surrounds and weeping ghost gums and end the days camping under a blanket of stars.

Highlights

  • Enjoy views of the rugged and diverse mountain range while you walk across Serpentine Ridge and cap your experience with the summit of Mt Sonder.

  • Camp in permanently set up tents underneath the breathtaking Milky Way, far away from any light pollution. All meals are included on this trip.

  • Find respite from the Australian sun at one of the stunning swimming holes at Redbank Gorge or Ormiston Gorge.

  • Hike the red slopes of the ranges and spot passing wallabies (maybe a cheeky emu if you’re lucky).

  • Deep dive into First Nations history and visit sacred sites like the Ochre Pits with your local leader, who takes care of all the details so you can concentrate on living the experience.

  • Camp underneath the breathtaking Milky Way, far away from any light pollution. All meals are included on this trip.

  • Find respite from the Australian sun at one of the stunning swimming holes at Ormiston Gorge.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: dinner

Palya! Welcome to Alice Springs (Mparntwe in the language of the traditional owners of the land on which Alice Springs is now located), the heart of the Australian Outback. You’ll meet in the lobby of your hotel at 6pm for a welcome meeting. Here, your leader will tell you a little bit about the next seven days of hiking, camping and swimming under the warm Australian sun. Afterwards, head to a local restaurant for dinner to get to know your fellow trekkers.

Day 2: Larapinta Trail

Location: Larapinta Trail

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: lunch, dinner

Today begin your trek on the Larapinta Trail. As you head out of town, you’ll get the first glimpse of the seemingly endless mountain ranges around you. After 9km of walking (with a pit stop for a spot of lunch), you’ll have made the first leg of the journey from Geoff Moss Bridge to Wallaby Gap. Enjoy some shade in the shadows of ghost gums, then make your way to our campground where we will set up camp for the next four nights. Enjoy dinner with your trip mates and settle in for your first night under the magnificent outback sky.

Day 3: Larapinta Trail

Location: Larapinta Trail

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Fill up on breakfast this morning before hitting the road and setting off on one of the most popular walks on the Larapinta Trail, a 14km trek atop Serpentine Ridge. From the base of Serpentine Gorge, make your way to the top of the ridge and along the way discover some Mountain Hakea, the pink bush flowers of the outback (that sort of look like aliens from another world). Take a pit stop to appreciate breathtaking views of the red desert landscape at the top, have a bite to eat and remember to hydrate. Discover the most iconic photo op of the trail at Counts Point, from where you'll head back down towards Serpentine Chalet Dam.

Day 4: Larapinta Trail

Location: Larapinta Trail

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Fuel up with breakfast and head out on the 9km Ormiston Gorge Pound Walk. A stunning trail that shows off all the beauty that Central Australia has to offer, Ormiston Gorge provides a nice respite. Among the towering red walls and local plant life, you’ll find a cool swimming hole that acts as your mid-hike oasis. There will be plenty of time to relax at the swimming hole before you head to the Ochre Pits later in the afternoon, one of the most significant places for the local Arrernte First Nations people. Head back to camp for dinner and another gorgeous night under the stars. 

Day 5: Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder

Location: Larapinta Trail / Mt Sonder

Accommodation: Camping

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today is a very early start. Make your way to Redbank Gorge in the dark, then begin the 16km hike (about five hours) to the top of Mt Sonder. Make your way up some steep sections to get to the saddle from where the going will be slightly easier. Make sure to wear your sturdiest boots, don't forget your head torch and layer up in the winter months - it can get pretty cold up there. Once on top, take in the 360-degree views as the sun starts to climb over the horizon and lights up the vastness of the desert below you. Head back down the mountain along the saddle while appreciating the gorgeous scenery for a well-earned breakfast back in the valley. Head back to camp for a free afternoon. Perhaps enjoy some optional walks or simply have a relaxing afternoon after today's early start. Tonight enjoy your last camp dinner together.

Day 6: Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs

Location: Larapinta Trail / Alice Springs

Accommodation: Hotel

Meals Included: breaksfast, lunch, dinner

Today is your last day on the Larapinta Trail, so make sure you take in every moment. You’ll finish your trip with an 11km walk that beautifully summarises all the West MacDonnell Ranges has to offer. Head to Standley Chasm and experience the impressive Reveal Saddle walk. In the afternoon, you can enjoy a coffee or cool drink at the visitor’s centre before saying goodbye to the ranges. Make your way to your hotel accommodation in Alice Springs with your leader, where you’ll celebrate your amazing hiking experience with the group over dinner. 

Day 7: Alice Springs

Location: Alice Springs

This morning it’s time for a final goodbye to your trip mates. Your trip is now over and you can make your way back to the airport at your leisure. 

What's Included

6 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 6 dinners

Transport

  • You will explore the West MacDonnell Ranges in a comfortable bus. Our vehicles are modern, comfortable and are regularly serviced to ensure their safety and reliability. They are also fitted with recovery gear in case of emergency. In the case of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, we reserve the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour. Seats on tour vehicles are not pre allocated. To ensure all participants get to enjoy window seats we encourage a daily seat rotation system.

Accommodation

  • So that we maximise time outside of the bus exploring, rather than commuting to Alice Springs each night, this tour involves comfortable camping for 4 nights during the middle of your tour and hotel accommodation on the nights on either side.
  • For our camping nights, a tent and stretcher bed with a sleeping mat is provided. A sleeping bag is available to be pre-booked, or you can bring your own. Pillows, towels, and swags are not provided.

Important Information

  • DIFFICULTY LEVEL
  • You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km.
  • START & END TIMES
  • This trip starts at 6pm with a welcome meeting on day 1 at your hotel and finishes back in Alice Springs after breakfast on day 7. Please take this into consideration when booking arrival and onward travel.
  • ACCOMMODATION
  • For our camping nights, a tent and stretcher bed with a sleeping mat is provided. Single travellers will be allocated their own tent. You will be expected to help set up and take down tents at the start and end of the trip. A sleeping bag is available to be pre-booked at an additional cost, or you can bring your own. Pillows, towels, and swags are not provided. Between June and August, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, so we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep. There is a shared toilet and shower block available at the campsite.
  • SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
  • A Single Supplement is bookable on this trip, subject to availability at the time of booking. The single supplement covers the first and the last night in Alice Springs. For our camping nights single travellers will be allocated their own tent as a default.
  • SELF ASSESSMENT FORM
  • A Passenger Self Assessment Form is required for this trip. Your booking agent will provide you with this form when you book to fill out before arrival.
  • OPERATOR
  • This trip is operated and run by Inspiration Outdoors, an Intrepid Company. You will be travelling with a mixture of both Inspiration Outdoors customers and Intrepid customers. Intrepid works closely with Inspiration Outdoors to ensure that all of our customers enjoy their time away.

Mode of Transport

  • You will explore the West MacDonnell Ranges in a comfortable bus. Our vehicles are modern, comfortable and are regularly serviced to ensure their safety and reliability. They are also fitted with recovery gear in case of emergency. In the case of breakdown or other unforeseen circumstances affecting the vehicle or guide, we reserve the right to substitute vehicles and guides other than those specified, to ensure the operation of a tour. Seats on tour vehicles are not pre allocated. To ensure all participants get to enjoy window seats we encourage a daily seat rotation system.

Check out our Q&As

  • Is this trip right for you

    You’re in for a challenging walking trip and an excellent level of fitness is essential. You must be prepared to trek for multiple hours and up to 20km a day with little shade, climbing peaks and ridges over uneven and rocky terrain with a daypack carrying a minimum personal supply of 3 litres of water. The total distance walked on this trip exceeds 60km. We walk different sections of the Larapinta Trail each day, rather than the entire trail from start to finish.

    When travelling in Central Australia temperatures can range from very high in the day, to below freezing at night. Please ensure you pack appropriate clothing, including sleepwear. Between June and August, when nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, we highly recommend bringing your own sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep.

    On this trip you will be camping under the stars. You will be expected to set up and take down tents at the start and end of the trip. Please bring your own sleeping bag, and remember that between June and August, nighttime temperatures can drop below zero, so we highly recommend bringing a sleeping bag suitable to the conditions for a more comfortable sleep.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room

Reviews of this operator

Maroochy Dazza (Google Reviewer)  

Just leaving a review to...

24-Aug-2023

Just leaving a review to share how much I enjoyed my Central America trip. I thought the guide, Aura was so knowledgeable and organised and clearly a great ambassador for Intrepid. She gave us lots of information on each region, helped us organise anything we needed and dealt with queries from passengers very well and diplomatically. She made the trip run smoothly. She was also keen to explain the Intrepid vision and how the company values making a difference to locals and is a credit to your company. I did Guatemala and beyond and thoroughly enjoyed it - very fast paced, lots to see and do and a great overview of the region. I would definitely recommend 👍

LivvyGrace 4 (Google Reviewer)  

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15-Jul-2024

I just completed my first Intrepid tour which was 33 days travelling around Central America - I had the time of my life! It was great to have the benefit of a guide (Fluffy was amazing!) and be able to ask questions at any point, but I also liked the freedom that you were permitted throughout. The group tour made boarder crossings seamless and the whole process felt easy - there was never one hiccup. As a solo female traveller, I felt safe throughout, and I cannot recommend Central America enough - the people, the food, the sun and the activities were just amazing :) Can't wait to book my next adventure soon!

V Open (Google Reviewer)  

I have just come back...

26-Oct-2022

I have just come back home after doing Intrepid's 10-day Vietnam Express Northbound tour. What a SUPERB tour. We saw lots and did lots, it was jam-packed full of sights and activities. Our tour leader, Tam, was the best ever. Very knowledgeable, organised and lots of fun too. The other 10 people on the group were all lovely. The places we visited were very interesting. We even visited local homes and ate just like the local people do. I highly recommend Intrepid to anyone considering touring a new country. This was my 5th tour with them and they have consistently been fantastic.

Jack Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I have travelled with Intrepid...

03-Jun-2024

I have travelled with Intrepid a number of times now and can't recommend them enough. The trips are always exciting, full of history and immersive in the culture and environment. The office staff are great too and always happy to help with any questions you might have. Everywhere I have gone with the company has been different but the guides and itinerary have always been excellent and full of knowledge and passion for their country. Add in the social responsibility angle the company has and it top quality ethical practice and you can't go wrong

Jo Clayton (Google Reviewer)  

I recently went on an...

15-Mar-2024

I recently went on an 11 day tour of India with Intrepid and was impressed with every aspect of the tour, the tour leader and the organisation behind the scenes. I always travel alone so it was a big deal to join a tour, I didn't want to feel less independent or ferried about. I loved being part of a group and the things we saw and did on the tour, I would never have known about or seen if I had been by myself. I loved it from start to finish. Yes the overnight trains were not easy to sleep on, but I managed. Meeting locals on board was a high light for me. English is widely spoken in India and its amazing who you strike up a chat with. I had two problems on the tour - one my own fault and one hotel related. The support from Intrepid was amazing. I cannot thank them enough for going the extra mile to support me. I recommend Intrepid 100% and have gone from thinking an organised tour is for people who don't know about Lonely Planet and can't do solo stuff, to realising its a faster, better, more fun way to get to know a country truly and deeply whilst on a bit of a budget. I will book again and again with Intrepid. I loved it that much! Big thanks to tour leader Daddy H. Devender for his help on day one, and Nick in the Oz office for his fab customer care skills. Also the person who staffed the emergency whatsapp in India - you saved my sanity helping me get there a day late! THANK YOU ALL X

Nicole  

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This was my first international solo trip, but I never felt “alone” - there was always someone to go shopping, hike, or grab a quick bite with. The itinerary was a great balance between organized activities, while still allowing free time for exploring. Each location was unique and charming in its own way. Spending the night in the holy city of Moulay Idriss and wandering the winding streets of Chefchaouen were especially memorable. Thank you Mustapha and Intrepid for an incredible adventure!

Alice Norton (Google Reviewer)  

I have just completed a...

29-Feb-2024

I have just completed a 12 day food tour of Vietnam, and had an amazing time. Our tour leader was great, knowledgeable and kind, who helped throughout the trip with recommendations for places on our free days, and spas. All the food we tried was delicious. It is a very fast paced tour, and Bon tried to maximise our experiences for the best.

Henry Guy Robinson   United Kingdom

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Alan Perrott (Google Reviewer)  

We had a fantastic time...

13-Aug-2024

We had a fantastic time on the Botswana Highlights tour recently. We chose Intrepid because it seemed to suit what we wanted - well planned itinerary, small group, comfortable without being overly luxurious (and pricey), and supportive of the local community and environment. We weren't disappointed, and as we met with other like-minded travellers then we all had a great time. We are already planning our next Intrepid tour - maybe Vietnam & Cambodia :-)

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May 05, 2025 - May 11, 2025
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Prices last published on 08-Nov-2024

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.

    Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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